Best Rescue Knife: Our Top 10 Picks For 2018 Compared

Rescue knives are not just for rescue volunteers and firefighters. Outdoor enthusiasts, campers, climbers, hikers, and fishers should also include this incredibly versatile tool in their kit. Rescue knives differ in terms of style, shape, size, and use. So you need to make sure you know what features to look for when shopping for one.

Best Rescue Knife Reviews

Let’s take a look at the following products and decide which one is the best rescue knife for you.

1. Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife

Weighing 12oz, this rescue knife was designed by knife maker and firefighter Rick Hinderer, who integrated into this knife the most important features needed by firefighters, according to Knife Center. It is highly recommended for emergency medical services (EMS) paramedics and firefighters.

What we liked

The weight of this rescue knife is distributed strategically so you get optimal stability.

If you need to save someone or something by pryinga door open, this rescue knife will make it easy for you to do so.

This knife also functions as a reliable oxygen tank valve opener.

The blunt tip of the knife makes it an excellent tool for opening locks.

What we didn't like

2. Bullshark G-10 8CR13 Tactical Rescue Knifeby Anvil Bladesmiths

The total length of this waterproof rescue knife is 8.25 inches, while its 8CR13 MOV blade is 3.25 inches long. You are given the option to choose between a partially serrated blade or a straight one. The knife also has a glass breaker, a belt clip, and a seat belt or para cord cutter.

What we liked

This is a lightweight but durable rescue knife that gives you excellent grip whether it is wet or dry, thanks to its machined G-10 handle.

This product is more affordable than other rescue knifes that offer similar ergonomic features.

You can rely on the knife’s quick one-handed opening mechanism with a liner lock.

This knife is recommended for everyday use.

What we didn't like

You need a break-in period with this rescue knife. Its construction is a little stiff and it takes some time to get used to it.

3. TAC-FORCE EMT EMS ORANGE Rescue Knife

This orange rescue knife weighs 5oz and its overall length is 7.75 inches, but it is 4.5 inches long when closed. Its blade is 3.25 inches long and it has a 440 stainless steel blade, and its black and orange aluminum handle features a rubber EMT logo. This Speed safe spring assisted knife also comes with a pocket clip.

What we liked

This rescue knife is very durable. It is perfect for experienced users.

It has a nice design.

It is an excellent glass breaker.

The hand grips of this rescue knife feel comfortable in your palm.

It has a sharp blade tip and partially serrated edge.

If you drop this rescue knife in the grass while hiking in the woods, you can easily locate it due to its bright fluorescent orange color.

What we didn't like

The belt cutter of the knife has an awkward angle so you may find it difficult to sharpen.

4. Kershaw Barricade Emergency Rescue Pocket Knife

Hereis another orange rescue knife. Weighing 4.5oz, this knife is 8.5 inches long when open, and 5 inches long when closed. Its steel blade, which is 3.5 inches long, has black oxide coating for added protection. Other features include Speed Safe assisted opening, a liner lock, flipper or thumb stud, a single-position pocket clip, and a glass-filled nylon handle.

What we liked

This rescue knife has a built-in cord or seatbelt cutter and a carbide glass breaker tip.

It has a solid lockup and a reliable spring assist.

The blade of this rescue knife is perfectly centered whether it is open or closed, so it will not wobble.

What we didn't like

You may not be able to get the blade with thumb stud or flipper out easily, and you need much pressure from your finger to get the blade to release.

5. Cold Steel SRK Kraton Handle, Black Blade

This rescue knife has a AUS 8A stainless steel blade. The knife weighs 8.2oz and its blade is 6 inches long. The tang of the knife is encased in a handle made of thick Kraton, a high-density rubber commonly used in survival knives’ handles due to its rubbery qualities that absorb shock, according to Outdoor Hole.

What we liked

The non-stick coat of the blade helps to protect it from the elements.

It is easy to maintain this knife.

This knife is very tough and you can makeit extremely sharp.

It holdsits edge nicely when you are working with wood.

The large handle of the knife is heavily textured so it will give you a secure grip.

What we didn't like

7. BlizeTec Survival Knife

This rescue knife can multitask. The functional components of this pocket-size stainless steel survival tool are its blade lock, a bright LED flashlight, drop-point blade with serrated saw, magnesium alloy fire starter, pocket clip, seat belt cutter, and a window breaker. These features make this knife ideal for emergencies and disaster preparedness.

What we liked

This rescue knife comes with a handy belt clip so there is no need to carry it around in a case. You will find this knife very useful while travelling.

You can cut though thicker materials, carve, and sharpen objects with ease using this rescue knife.

It features a LED light you can rely on during emergencies.

What we didn't like

If you are looking for a strong flashlight magnet, this rescue knife may not meet your requirements.

8. Smith and Wesson First Response SWFRS Liner Lock Folding Knife

This may be the most durable rescue knife for professionals who are looking for a rugged knife that is easy to use. This folding knife has a stainless steel blade and handle with G 10 black inserts, a compact pocket clip, a seat belt cutter, and window punch.

What we liked

This rescue knife will make it easy for you to cut though husky fibrous materials.

This knife has a very durable drop-point serrated blade.

Features a seatbelt cutter and window breaker.

The large blade firmly locks into place.

What we didn't like

The knife’s blade does not have a lock so it can pull open in an instant.

What we didn't like

10. StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool

As compared to other rescue knives, this product excels in stability and durability. It prides itself in its very sharp and shiny 440C-grade stainless steel blade. It also has a heavy-duty nylon pouch for convenient storage.

What we liked

This rescue knife can easily cut cord, fiber, jeans, and other hard materials.

The spring-loaded window puncher of the knife is enough to shatter thick glass. This is made easier by the knife’s ergonomic carbide tip.

What we didn't like

If you need a rescue knife that comes with a very bright LCD light, this product is not the one.

Final Verdict

As we could see, rescue knives come in all shapes and sizes, and each of them have different features for different purposes. Whether you’re looking to use it in a professional or recreational setting, our exhaustive list of the best rescue knives hopefully helped to point you in the right direction.